The Tudor Black Bay has long been a cornerstone of the horological landscape, celebrated for its robust construction, timeless design, and undeniable connection to the brand’s rich diving heritage. Now, Tudor expands this beloved family with the introduction of the Black Bay 68 (£4010), a timepiece that answers the call for a larger and more commanding wrist presence. This new model not only rounds out the full array of case sizes within the Black Bay collection, ensuring a perfect fit for every wrist, but also pays a significant tribute to a pivotal moment in Tudor’s history.
The year 1968 holds particular significance for Tudor, as it was during this time that the brand conceived what has now become its unmistakable aesthetic calling card: the emblematic Snowflake hand. This distinctive hand design, with its angular silhouette, made its debut in the catalogue shortly thereafter in 1969 and has since become synonymous with Tudor’s diver-focused timepieces.
The Black Bay 68 stands as a direct homage to this important milestone, subtly weaving in design elements that echo the spirit of this era. Furthermore, another enduring Tudor hallmark, the sophisticated “TUDOR Blue,” makes its welcome appearance in the design of the Black Bay 68, adorning a brand-new dial option that adds a contemporary touch to this heritage-inspired watch.
Tudor’s commitment to pushing boundaries doesn’t stop at size. The Black Bay 68 is not just a larger iteration; it’s a testament to the brand’s unwavering pursuit of horological excellence. This impressive timepiece proudly carries the prestigious Master Chronometer certification, a rigorous standard established by the Federal Institute of Metrology (METAS).
This certification signifies Tudor’s expert command of one of the industry’s most demanding benchmarks, not only in terms of exceptional chronometry but also in its remarkable resistance to magnetic fields. The Black Bay 68 seamlessly blends cutting-edge watchmaking technology with design elements deeply rooted in Tudor’s storied past, offering a compelling package of performance and heritage.
The substantial 43mm stainless steel case of the Black Bay 68, with its elegant combination of polished and satin finishes, exudes a confident and robust character. The lugs, set at a comfortable 22mm width, further enhance its wrist presence, while the case maintains a respectable thickness of 13.6mm. Powering this impressive timepiece is the in-house Manufacture Calibre MT5601-U, a self-winding mechanical movement featuring a bidirectional rotor system for efficient winding. This robust and reliable movement provides an impressive 70-hour power reserve, ensuring accurate timekeeping even after a long weekend.
The stainless steel screw-down winding crown, adorned with the iconic Tudor rose in relief, not only adds a touch of heritage charm but also contributes to the watch’s impressive water resistance of 200 meters (660 feet), making it a capable companion for aquatic adventures.
The Black Bay 68 features a 60-minute unidirectional bezel, crafted from stainless steel and fitted with a practical matte black aluminium insert – an essential tool for divers and a useful feature for everyday timing needs. The dial of the Black Bay 68 is presented in a sophisticated sun-brushed silver finish, providing a beautiful backdrop for the applied hour markers, which enhance legibility and add a touch of depth. Protecting this elegant dial is a domed sapphire crystal, a hallmark of quality and durability in modern watchmaking.
Completing the Black Bay 68 is a sturdy and comfortable 3-link stainless steel bracelet, featuring smooth side flanks and a combination of polished and satin finishes that echo the case. The inclusion of Tudor’s ingenious “T-fit” clasp allows for convenient and precise on-the-go adjustments, ensuring a perfect fit in any situation. The Tudor Black Bay 68 is a bold and confident addition to an already iconic collection, offering a compelling blend of heritage-inspired design, modern Master Chronometer certified performance, and robust construction, making it an ideal choice for the discerning watch enthusiast who appreciates a timepiece with both presence and pedigree.
